Emerged Queen 6 days ago

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Nbw

New Bee
Joined
Oct 14, 2021
Messages
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Location
Essex
Hive Type
National
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1
Hi all.
I had a swarm 2 weeks ago. I took preparations to prevent cast swarms by knocking all but 1 charged QC. I inspected last week and noticed an empty QC. I have looked today and couldnt find a queen or any eggs.

Is it too early to assume there was an issue? There is no more larvae left and brood frame space for brood are being used for stores and honey.

Thanks
Nick
 
Last edited:
Hi all.
I had a swarm 2 weeks ago. I took preparations to prevent cast swarms by knocking all but 1 charged QC. I inspected last week and noticed an empty QC. I have looked today and couldnt find a queen or any eggs.

Is it too early to assume there was an issue? There is no more larvae left and brood frame space for brood are being used for stores and honey.

Thanks
Nick
When you say you noticed an empty queen cell, was it the one you left and were there signs that she emerged, ie open at the tip?
 
prevent cast swarms by knocking all but 1 charged QC
Did you repeat that check 7 days after the swarm left? If not, they may have gone again.

couldnt find a queen
Don't waste time disturbing a colony - esp. one between queens - by looking for a queen: look only for eggs.
 
If the cell is an emerged one with open tip then leave well alone for a two or three weeks.
Colony demeanour should give one a good idea that a VQ is out, typically if one is a fiddler one will see polished cells surrounded by food kept ready in anticipation for her.
 
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